Dragons are embracing their role as Wales' sole representatives in European competition as they gear up for a Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Montpellier on Sunday (12:30 BST).
Filo Tiatia's side, the last Welsh team standing in either European tournament, are aiming to reach their first final in a decade.
"I've heard a lot of fans from Ospreys, Cardiff and Scarlets are wishing the Dragons all the best," said Tiatia. "It's great being a team from Wales in the semi-finals. There's a lot of talent not just here but with all the four regions."
Dragons co-captain and Wales lock Ben Carter echoed that sentiment, noting the support from outside the club. "I've spoken to a few people that have wished us well from outside that Dragons circle," he said. "We are looking forward to going out there and showing what we can do."
Only three Welsh sides — Cardiff (three times), Pontypridd, and Caerphilly — have reached European finals in the last 30 years. Dragons have previously lost three Challenge Cup semi-finals: to Clermont in 2007, Edinburgh in 2015, and Montpellier in 2016 (22-12). The French side went on to win the tournament that year and again in 2021.
Hooker Elliot Dee and full-back Angus O'Brien are the only survivors from the 2016 squad still involved this weekend.
"There's new experiences for everyone and we're excited about the possibility of earning another week in this tournament," said Tiatia. "It's a special occasion and there's a few players in our squad that haven't been in semi-finals."
Carter stressed the need for the team's best performance of the season to reach the final in Bilbao on 22 May. "We need to turn up with the right mindset because everyone in the squad genuinely believes we can go out there and get a result," he said. "That would be brilliant and the furthest I've ever gone in a competition, so that's the aim."
Montpellier, currently third in the Top 14, are strong favorites after an away win against Champions Cup holders Bordeaux-Begles last weekend. Tiatia acknowledged the challenge: "They've got a very good mauling forward pack, and they love to get in at 22, and are very direct. They've also got backs that can strike from anywhere. We understand the challenge ahead. We will be playing on their home turf, going to their town, playing in front of their crowd — and they're going to be screaming and telling us we are not going to get over the line. We're up for a challenge, trying to impose our game and come Sunday have a scrap."